Sunita Williams Return: 'We Are Going to Take Some Time to Celebrate,' Says NASA

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth after an extended stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Originally scheduled for a 10-day mission, their stay lasted nearly 10 months due to technical issues with their return vehicle.

NASA tracks astronauts' time in space, with Frank Rubio holding the record for the longest continuous spaceflight at 371 days. Peggy Whitson holds the highest cumulative time in space, with 675 days across multiple missions.

Sunita Williams Return LIVE: 45-Day Rehabilitation, Workout, comfortable clothes for Astronauts after nine-month space stay

The Haryana Assembly on Wednesday expressed happiness at safe return of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her fellow Crew-9 members to Earth after a prolonged mission to the International Space Station.

During the ongoing budget session, Energy and Transport Minister Anil Vij moved a resolution saying Williams and her fellow Crew-9 members had returned to Earth after a prolonged mission and said that the Assembly should express its happiness over their safe return.

NASA astronauts Williams, Nick Hague and Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned to Earth early Wednesday onboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, which splashed down in the sea off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida.

She wrote, "Welcome back to Earth, Sunita Williams!

After an extraordinary 9-month journey in space, your courage, dedication, and pioneering spirit continue to inspire millions.

The world celebrates your safe return and eagerly awaits the knowledge and inspiration you bring. Moments like these continue to spark dreams across generations, reminding us all to reach beyond the stars.

Welcome home!"

He wrote on X, “This is a historic moment in space exploration, and I extend my deepest appreciation to @NASA and salute everyone who played a vital role in bringing back Indian-origin American astronaut Mrs. Sunita Williams and American astronaut Mr. Butch Wilmore safely to Earth today aboard the Dragon Capsule after their extended mission at the @Space_Station ISS.”

Thanks to President @POTUS @realDonaldTrump, @elonmusk & @SpaceX for making this remarkable achievement possible and inspiring future generations.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams’ return to earth at the conclusion of the scientific mission to the space station was more than a homecoming. It was a historic triumph of perseverance, proving that determination and courage transform adversity into achievement, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi said on Wednesday.

Welcoming Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore on their successful mission, the Governor said months in the unforgiving expanse of space tested the limits of endurance, adaptability and resolve. "Yet you conquered every challenge with unwavering determination and resilience," Ravi said.

In a post on the official handle of the Raj Bhavan, the Governor said: "Your return is more than a homecoming; it is a historic triumph of perseverance, proving that determination and courage transform adversity into achievement. May your journey ahead open new frontiers and inspire future explorers to push the boundaries of the cosmos."

As Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore arrived on Earth, wishes are pouring from all over the earth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also wished Sunita Williams for returning back safe through an X post. 

 “A moment of glory, pride and relief! The whole world comes together to celebrate the safe return of this illustrious daughter of India who has instantly gone down in the history for the courage, conviction and consistency with which she endured the uncertainties of Space,” wrote Union Minister Jitendra Singh on X.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) celebrated Sunita Williams' return to Earth by sharing a post on X.

“Your safe return after an extended mission on the ISS is an amazing achievement. It shows NASA, SpaceX, and the USA's dedication to space exploration! Your strength and hard work continue to inspire space fans around the world. On behalf of my colleagues, I send you warm greetings and wish you a wonderful day ahead. As India works towards becoming a developed country under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we hope to use your space knowledge to help in our space exploration efforts,” ISRO wrote.

Sunita Williams Returns LIVE: Former ISRO chief hails Astronaut's successful return to Earth

NASA's Steve Stich praised Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams for their flexibility. He said they were able to quickly adjust when their mission went from being short-term to staying longer on the International Space Station (ISS). He pointed out that their ability to adapt shows how well astronauts are trained for future space missions, especially for tough missions to places like Mars and the Moon. 

Sunita Williams Returns LIVE: Buzz Aldrin, Second Person to Walk on Moon congratulates Williams and Butch Wilmore

Sunita Williams Returns LIVE: Prahlad Joshi congratulates Astronaut on her Safe return to Earth 

Sunita Williams Return LIVE: Trump invites Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to the Oval office when they 'get better'

Williams and Wilmore traveled 121,347,491 miles during their mission, spent 286 days in space, and completed 4,576 orbits around Earth. Hague and Gorbunov traveled 72,553,920 miles during their mission, spent 171 days in space, and completed 2,736 orbits around Earth. 

COL Anne McClain, Crew-10's commander, posted on X, "This morning we shared coffee and “good mornings" with Crew-9, and tonight we are absolutely thrilled to see them safely back on Earth! Mission accomplished, Crew-9!"

The Vice President reacted to a video of the splashdown of Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, where dolphins greeted the Dragon spacecraft as it landed. Vance said on X, "This is extremely cool."

Sunita Williams Returns LIVE: As soon as the Dragon spacecraft carrying stranded astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore touched the ground, NASA expressed that they are thrilled to have them back after a nine-month-long wait.

NASA also shared pictures of these astronauts disembarking from the spacecraft after the splashdown."
 

The astronauts are set to embark on a carefully coordinated recovery phase. Williams and Wilmore will participate in post-mission discussions, offering perspectives from their prolonged time on the ISS, addressing the difficulties they faced, and evaluating the Boeing Starliner spacecraft's performance.
Spending an extended period in space impacts the human body in various ways. When astronauts re-enter Earth’s gravity, they frequently deal with dizziness, nausea, and challenges in keeping their balance. Many also notice temporary vision problems, difficulty walking, and a condition called “baby feet,” where the toughened skin on their soles becomes soft due to the absence of pressure in microgravity.

NASA says that the crew was trained for every challenge before the mission began, be it potential mishaps or spacewalks. 

The crew members are now undergoing medical check-up. 

“We have gathered extensive feedback and have time until summer to evaluate our next steps. Testing remains a priority, including the possibility of an uncrewed flight. Our focus is on analysing data, conducting further assessments, and making an informed decision in the coming months,” says NASA.

NASA, in its press conference, said that “we are going to take some time to celebrate”. 

Sarah Walker, Director of SpaceX, said “we are proud the team worked together”. 

NASA and SpaceX officials will brief the media at around 5 AM (IST). 

Speakers include:

Joel Montalbano, Deputy Associate Administrator, NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate
Steve Stich, Manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program
Bill Spetch, Operations Integration Manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program
Sarah Walker, Director, Dragon Mission Management, SpaceX

Crew members are now exiting the Dragon capsule. They'll be taken to a medical facility, on a stretcher, for checkup. 

The Dragon capsule's hatch has been opened. The astronauts are inside the capsule right now. They will exit the capsule in a bit. 

The Dragon capsule has been successfully recovered from water. Now, the hatch will be opened.  

Right now, safety checks are being conducted. After that, Dragon capsule will be lifted to the recovery ship, and the hatch will be opened. 

The recovery vehicles are on their way. 

Splashdown successful! Crew 9 back on Earth. 

We are 2 minutes away from deployment of parachutes. The speed is 350 miles per hour. 

The Dragon capsule is now entering Earth's atmosphere, as a result of which, Dragon is witnessing a loss of communication, right now. It will last for seven minutes.

The next phrase will be loss of communication/loss of signal, as Dragon capsule re-enters the atmosphere. 

The Dragon capsule is ready for re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. Right now, it is navigating autonomously above Earth's atmosphere. Last time a day time splashdown occurred, was during Crew 4. 

Dragon will face temperature exceeding 300 degrees Celsius during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. 

Dragon capsule's nose-cone has been sealed, in anticipation of the re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. 

The de-orbit burn has been successfully completed. 

The Draco thrusters have been ignited. They are steering the capsule to ensure it follows its flight path. Dragon will shortly enter Earth's atmosphere. 

Dragon capsule has successfully jettisoned its trunk and the heat shield has been exposed. 

The de-orbit sequence has begun. The heatshield is now exposed. 

During the re-entry, there will be a loss of communication, for a brief time. 

This phenomenon occurs primarily during atmospheric re-entry and is a normal, expected part of the process due to the physics of re-entering Earth’s atmosphere at high speed.

As the Crew Dragon re-enters the atmosphere, it travels at hypersonic speeds—around 17,500 miles per hour (28,000 kilometers per hour) for a typical low-Earth orbit return. This extreme velocity compresses and ionizes the air molecules in front of the spacecraft, creating a layer of superheated plasma around it. Temperatures can reach up to 3,500°F (1,900°C) or higher on the heat shield. This plasma is electrically charged and acts like a shield, blocking or severely attenuating radio signals, including those used for telemetry, voice communication, and tracking.

The trunk separation will begin in around 2 minutes. 

What is trunk separation?

Trunk separation refers to a specific phase in a SpaceX Crew Dragon mission where the spacecraft's trunk—a cylindrical, unpressurized section attached to the rear of the crew capsule—detaches from the main crew module. This process is a critical step during the mission, occurring just before the Crew Dragon begins its re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

SpaceX's spacesuits for the Crew-9 mission are custom-designed Intravehicular Activity (IVA) suits, tailored to ensure astronaut safety, comfort, and mobility during launch, re-entry, and potential contingencies aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft. These suits, developed by SpaceX in collaboration with NASA as part of the Commercial Crew Program, reflect a sleek, modern design while incorporating advanced functionality compared to earlier spacesuits like those used in the Space Shuttle era.

For the Crew-9 mission, launched on September 28, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, the suits were worn by NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov during their ascent to the International Space Station (ISS). Notably, the mission also served as a return vehicle for NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who had been stranded on the ISS due to issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. To accommodate their return, SpaceX ensured that compatible suits were available for them as well. One suit, already on the ISS, was fitted for Williams, while an additional suit for Wilmore was delivered with the Crew-9 Dragon spacecraft, named Freedom. These suits underwent pressurized leak checks on the station to confirm their integrity before the crew’s return on March 18, 2025.

The SpaceX IVA suits are distinct for their lightweight, form-fitting construction, made from fire-resistant materials like Nomex, with integrated gloves and boots for a streamlined fit. They feature a single-point umbilical connection at the thigh, supplying oxygen, cooling, and communication lines, which simplifies donning and doffing compared to bulkier predecessors. The helmets, 3D-printed and custom-fitted to each astronaut, include a retractable visor and are designed to integrate seamlessly with the Crew Dragon’s seats, providing pressure protection in case of cabin depressurization. The design prioritizes both functionality and a futuristic aesthetic, a hallmark of SpaceX’s approach, influenced by Hollywood costume designer Jose Fernandez.

Astronauts on the Dragon capsule have successfully completed leak-checks on their spacesuits. The Dragon capsule will enter the Earth's atmosphere in a bit. The splashdown is slated to occur at 3:27 AM IST. 

NASA's live coverage has started. 

The Dragon capsule will perform the de-orbit burn, in a bit. 

What is a de-orbit burn?

A deorbit burn is a critical maneuver performed by a spacecraft, like the SpaceX Crew Dragon used in the Crew-9 mission, to intentionally slow it down and transition from a stable orbit around Earth to a trajectory that brings it back into the atmosphere for landing.

What exactly happens?

Controlled firing of a spacecraft’s engines in the opposite direction of its orbital motion. This reduces its speed, lowering its orbit enough that Earth’s gravity pulls it into the atmosphere, where it will eventually land (or splash down, in this case).

Splashdown and Initial Stabilization (5:57 p.m. EDT, March 18, 2025):
The Crew Dragon "Freedom" will land in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida, slowed by its four main parachutes to approximately 15 miles per hour. The capsule will bob upright in the water, thanks to its design and ballast system, ensuring stability. The astronauts will remain strapped into their seats inside the sealed spacecraft, awaiting the recovery team. They may feel the gentle rocking of the waves and experience Earth’s gravity for the first time in months, which could cause temporary disorientation after their long-duration mission.

Recovery Team Approach (Within Minutes of Splashdown):
SpaceX fast boats, deployed from the primary recovery ship (likely the Megan or Shannon), will quickly approach the capsule—typically within 3-5 minutes. These teams will assess the spacecraft for any hazards, such as residual hypergolic fuel vapors from the Draco thrusters, which could pose a risk if leaked. The astronauts will stay inside with the hatch closed during this initial safety check, communicating with mission control via the capsule’s systems to confirm their status.

Parachute Retrieval and Capsule Securing:
The fast boat crews will detach and recover the parachutes, which are cut away post-splashdown to prevent the capsule from being dragged by wind or currents. They’ll also secure the capsule with lines to stabilize it further and prepare it for hoisting. Inside, the astronauts will begin unstrapping from their seats once given the all-clear, though they’ll remain cautious due to the effects of microgravity on their bodies—such as weakened muscles and potential dizziness.

Hoisting Onto the Recovery Ship (Approximately 15-20 Minutes Post-Splashdown):
The main recovery ship will position itself alongside the capsule and use a hydraulic lift, often called the "Dragon’s Nest," to hoist the Crew Dragon onto its deck. This process typically takes about 10-15 minutes once the ship is in place. The astronauts will feel the capsule being lifted and tilted slightly as it’s raised from the water and settled onto the ship. They’ll remain inside, awaiting the next step, as the spacecraft is secured to the deck.

Hatch Opening and Crew Egress (Approximately 30-45 Minutes Post-Splashdown):
Once the capsule is stable on the ship, SpaceX technicians will open the side hatch, allowing fresh air to enter. Recovery personnel will assist the astronauts in exiting one by one. Due to their extended time in space—Hague and Gorbunov for about 5 months, Williams and Wilmore for nearly 9 months—they’ll likely need help standing and walking. Medical staff will be on hand to support them as they step onto the deck, possibly using stretchers or chairs if they’re unsteady.

Immediate Medical Checks (Onboard the Recovery Ship):
On the ship’s deck, the astronauts will undergo initial medical evaluations in a designated area, often a small onboard medical facility. Doctors will check vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels) and assess their physical condition, focusing on symptoms of orthostatic intolerance (difficulty standing due to gravity’s pull after microgravity). The astronauts may feel weak or nauseous, and this step ensures they’re stable before transport. They’ll also be offered water and light food to begin readjusting to Earth’s environment.

Helicopter Transfer to Shore (Approximately 1-2 Hours Post-Splashdown):
After the initial checks, the astronauts will be transported via helicopter from the recovery ship to a nearby shore location, likely near Pensacola or Tallahassee, Florida. The flight typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on the splashdown site. Strapped into the helicopter, they’ll be monitored by medical personnel during the journey. This step avoids a longer sea voyage, speeding up their return to a fully equipped medical facility.

Further Medical Evaluation (On Land):
Upon landing, the astronauts will be taken to a medical facility—possibly Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, as seen in prior missions—for more thorough evaluations. This includes tests for balance, muscle strength, and cardiovascular response to gravity, as well as blood work to assess their adaptation after months in space. Williams and Wilmore, having been in orbit longer, might require extra attention due to their extended exposure to microgravity.

Flight to Johnson Space Center (Later That Day):
Once cleared by medical staff, the astronauts will board a NASA plane for a flight to Houston’s Johnson Space Center. 

The Dragon capsule, which undocked from ISS on Tuesday, is on its way to the Earth. The astronauts have woken up, and they are getting ready for the splashdown. 

The Crew 9 will return to Earth in 2 hours. The splashdown will take place near the Florida's coast. 

Former NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao has said that after months in space, Sunita Williams and her colleagues will develop ‘baby feet’. “You basically a lose the thick part of your skin,” he said. 

They will also experience dizziness and nausea, he added. “To me, it feels kind of like having the flu. It takes a couple of weeks to get back to normal,” Chiao said. 

Former ISRO Chief S. Somnath has revealed that PM Modi used to ask him about Sunita's wellbeing and her safe return.  

“A touching message to Astronaut Sunita Williams from our Hon. PM Modiji. Hon. PM used to enquire with me as well about her safe return which showed genuine concerns for the wellbeing of an India origin daughter. Sunita, we all wait for sharing your experience when you are back,” Somnath wrote on X. 

Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore will have covered remarkable journey of 195 million kms in space, before splashdown. 

PM Modi, who first met Sunita Williams in 2007, as CM of Gujarat, has written a touching letter to Sunita Williams. In the letter, the PM writes that all of India is praying for her safe return.

Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams , who spent over nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), is set to return to Earth on Wednesday. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft has successfully undocked from the ISS, carrying Williams along with fellow astronauts Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and others.  

Williams has often expressed her admiration for Indian culture and spirituality. During her journey to space on the Boeing Starliner last May, she carried a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, reflecting her strong connect with her cultural roots.  

According to multiple media reports, Williams also took a Lord Ganesha idol with her to space, a practice she has followed in previous missions. Her connection to Indian traditions has been evident throughout her career, as she has carried religious and cultural symbols to space on multiple occasions.    Williams’ return marks the end of a prolonged mission, as she and her crew faced unexpected delays due to technical challenges with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Now, after months in orbit, she is set to make a long-awaited journey back to Earth.

NASA will provide live-real-time coverage of Sunita Williams' return to Earth through their official live stream and viewers can follow NASA's website or Republic World channel for the latest coverage updates.

The live coverage will begin in around 2 hours. 

Sunita Williams' cousin Dinesh Rawal, who stays in Ahmedabad, has said that everyone is happy she is returning. 

Sunita William's cousin Dinesh Rawal, conducted a yagna in Ahmedabad for her safe return to earth. Williams, along with NASA astronaut Barry Wilmore, will return to earth at around 3:27 AM, 19th March. 

As NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore prepare for their return to Earth, they are set to make a splash—literally. Their spacecraft will land in the ocean off Florida’s coast, following a long-standing American tradition of water landings. But why does NASA prefer splashdowns over landing on solid ground?

What is a Splashdown?

A splashdown is when a spacecraft lands in the ocean, slowed by parachutes. Before the Space Shuttle era, this was the standard method for bringing U.S. astronauts back home. Even today, companies like SpaceX continue to use splashdowns for their Crew Dragon missions.

Why Water Landings Are Safer

NASA favors splashdowns because they offer several safety advantages:

• Softer impact: Water cushions the landing, reducing the risk of injuries compared to hitting solid ground.
• Obstacle-free zones: Unlike land, which has mountains, buildings, and unpredictable terrain, the open ocean provides a vast, clear landing area.
• Faster recovery: NASA has specialized teams ready to locate and retrieve astronauts immediately after splashdown.

How a Splashdown Works

The process of returning from space and landing in the ocean involves several critical steps:

1. Reentry & Heat Protection: As the spacecraft reenters Earth’s atmosphere, it faces extreme temperatures—up to 3,000°F (1,700°C). A heat shield prevents the spacecraft from burning up.
2. Parachute Deployment: Once in the lower atmosphere, parachutes deploy, slowing the spacecraft from a speed of about 17,000 mph (27,359 km/h) to under 20 mph (32 km/h).
3. Gentle Ocean Landing: The spacecraft lands in water, reducing the impact and allowing for a safe recovery by NASA’s rescue teams.

A Long Tradition in U.S. Spaceflight

The splashdown method has been a part of American spaceflight since the early days:

• 1961: NASA's Mercury missions introduced splashdowns, with astronauts safely landing in the ocean.
• Apollo Era: The Apollo Moon missions also used splashdowns, with capsules landing in the Pacific.
• Today: NASA and SpaceX continue the practice, bringing astronauts back using ocean landings.

As Williams and Wilmore prepare for their return, NASA’s continued reliance on splashdowns proves that, even after decades of spaceflight, landing in water remains one of the safest and most reliable ways to bring astronauts home.

Sunita Williams is an Indian-American astronaut and former naval aviator. Born in Ohio and raised in Needham, Massachusetts, she began her military career in 1989 and served in combat support roles during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Provide Comfort in the Persian Gulf. In 1992, she played a key role in relief efforts following Hurricane Andrew in Miami.

After training as a rotary aircraft test pilot, she was deployed on the USS Saipan before joining NASA in 1998. She worked extensively with Russia’s space agency on the International Space Station (ISS) program and has completed two NASA missions, spending a total of 322 days in space. As part of her training, she also spent nine days in an underwater habitat.

Williams currently resides in Texas with her husband, Michael J. Williams, and their dogs. The couple shares a passion for working on houses, cars, and airplanes.

The Crew Dragon is expected to splash down off the Gulf Coast near Tallahassee, Florida, at approximately 3:27 AM IST. Stay tuned for all the updates 

Stay updated on the precise whereabouts of Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore as they journey back to Earth. Follow this live tracker for real-time updates on their position and expected splashdown.
 

Unexpectedly extended space missions are not uncommon. Here are some notable examples:

• Sergei Krikalev (1991-1992): On May 18, 1991, Soviet cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev launched into the Mir space station for a planned stay. However, as the Soviet Union collapsed, financial troubles delayed his return, extending his mission by nearly five months. Dubbed “the last Soviet citizen,” Krikalev spent 313 days in space before returning on March 25, 1992.
• Ken Bowersox, Donald Pettit & Nikolai Budarin (2003): In 2003, American astronauts Ken Bowersox and Donald Pettit and Russian cosmonaut Nikolai Budarin faced an unexpected delay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Columbia disaster, in which a NASA shuttle disintegrated upon re-entry, led to the suspension of shuttle flights, leaving them stranded for an additional three months. After more than five months, they returned to Earth in a Russian capsule in May 2003. Dr. Pettit, now 69, returned to the ISS last fall and is scheduled to come back in April.
• Frank Rubio (2022-2023): In 2022, NASA astronaut Frank Rubio set out for a six-month stay aboard the ISS. However, a coolant leak in the Russian spacecraft meant to bring him home extended his mission to 371 days, marking the longest single spaceflight for a U.S. astronaut. Reflecting on the experience, Rubio noted, “You have to be ready for the unexpected,” likening it to a military mindset.

 To watch Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore splashdown LIVE Click here 

After spending over nine months in space, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore successfully undocked from the International Space Station on Tuesday, marking the start of their 17-hour journey back to Earth. 

The four-member crew aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft is now preparing for splashdown off the coast of Florida, scheduled for Wednesday at 3:57 AM IST. 

The difference in return times between SpaceX's Crew Dragon and Russia's Soyuz spacecraft lies in their distinct descent strategies. Soyuz follows a ballistic trajectory, enabling a swift 3.5-hour return but subjecting astronauts to intense gravitational forces.

In contrast, Crew Dragon opts for a controlled, gradual descent, prioritizing safety and precision over speed, which extends its journey to 17 hours.
 

PM Modi, in a heartfelt letter to Sunita Williams, invited her to India, recalling his meeting with her late father, Deepak Pandya, during his 2016 visit to the U.S.

"Ms Bonnie Pandya must be eagerly awaiting your return, and I am sure Late Deepakbhai's blessings are with you. After your return, we look forward to welcoming you to India. It will be an honour for the nation to host one of its most illustrious daughters," he wrote.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to make a historic return to Earth aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, with a scheduled splashdown in the ocean. This water landing method has long been a preferred approach for bringing astronauts back safely, leveraging the ocean as a vast and impact-absorbing landing site.

The splashdown method offers several advantages, particularly in ensuring a softer and safer return. Unlike traditional land-based landings, where rough terrains or mechanical failures could pose risks, water landings provide a natural cushion, reducing the chances of structural damage and ensuring crew safety.

Historically, splashdowns have played a crucial role in space exploration. During the Apollo missions, astronauts returning from the Moon relied on ocean landings to re-enter Earth's atmosphere safely. With modern advancements, precision landings on solid ground have become more common, but splashdowns remain a viable option, especially for spacecraft designed for reusable missions like the SpaceX Dragon.

Williams and Wilmore’s journey marks another milestone in NASA’s collaboration with SpaceX, reinforcing the reliability of commercial space travel. Their return is expected to be closely monitored by recovery teams, who will ensure their safe retrieval from the ocean post-splashdown.
 

The spacecraft is projected to splash down off the Florida coast at approximately 3:27 AM IST on Wednesday.

NASA adjusted the return timeline to ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities aboard the ISS and to account for potential weather-related delays later in the week.

Villagers had lit up 'Akhand Jyot' at Dhola Mata temple after her mission to return to earth had developed a glitch.

Another cousin of Williams, Kishor Pandya, said he had met her twice during her visits to Jhulasan village in 2006 and 2013.

Vipul Sharma, another villager, said extensive preparations are underway for celebrations.

"Everyone in the village is praying for her safe return. After she visits the village in the future, people here will take out a procession and organise a rally at the temple to welcome her," he said.

Williams, along with astronaut Butch Wilmore, is returning to Earth after spending more than nine months at the ISS.

With prayers on their lips, residents of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams' ancestral village in Gujarat are waiting for her safe return to Earth with bated breath and planned Diwali-like festivities to mark the occasion. She has been in the thoughts and prayers of the villagers, eagerly awaiting her safe return.

Jhulasan village in Mehsana district, known as the ancestral home of Williams' father, Deepak Pandya, is alive with excitement.

Villagers have been praying for her safety, taking care of the 'Akhand Jyot,' the eternal flame that was lit up for her safe return soon after she went to space over nine months ago.
 

Upon returning to Earth, astronauts may find their feet unusually tender and sensitive as they readjust to walking under normal gravity.  Read the full article here 

NASA has unveiled a map outlining the reentry path of SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft as it carries Crew-9 astronauts, including Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, back to Earth. While the capsule may be difficult to spot in daylight, space enthusiasts can follow its journey using the provided map to track its descent and splashdown.